Share this article

'The government in Jerusalem then used the information obtained in international negotiations aiming to reach a diplomatic solution in the Middle East,' it added.

Intensive efforts to reach a diplomatic solution ultimately failed last year and relations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Kerry worsened.

Last week, the Obama administration hit back at a torrent of Israeli criticism over the Secretary of State's latest bid to secure a cease-fire with Hamas, accusing some in Israel of launching a 'misinformation campaign' against the diplomat.

Revelations that John Kerry, pictured, may have had his phone tapped by Israeli intelligence come as relations between the US and Jerusalem remain tense

In recent weeks, Israeli media reports have cast Mr Kerry as seeking a cease-fire that is more favorable to Hamas and being dismissive of key Israeli concerns.

Some commentators attacked his attempts to bring Qatar and Turkey - two countries viewed by Israel as strong Hamas supporters - into the cease-fire negotiations.

Kerry was also accused of abandoning some of Israel's key demands during the negotiations, including demilitarizing Gaza.

Kerry himself, in a speech to the Center for American Progress, noted the criticism but did not give ground.

'Make no mistake, when the people of Israel are rushing to bomb shelters, when innocent Israeli and Palestinian teenagers are abducted and murdered, when hundreds of innocent civilians have lost their lives, I will and we will make no apologies for our engagement,' he said.